Xi Jinping (China)

Xi Jinping was elected the president of China and the leader of the Communist Party in 2012. Xi rose through ranks as a Communist leader, facing comparatively little involvement in scandals or corruption. He has pushed his ideology of the “Chinese Dream,” ideals which his political stances have echoed throughout his career. Promoting reform, development, and opportunities for young people, this so-called dream has been one of the major pieces of rhetoric used. However, his policies certainly would not be considered a dream to all―Xi has faced worldwide criticism for the lack of political transparency and democratization occurring in China, as well as the censorship of Western ideas and news to Chinese people. Despite scattered opposition, Xi has helped China to remain a major global economic power, strengthening relationships with other superpowers such as Russia and to some extent the United States. At the same time, Xi has pursued a forceful policy in the South China Sea, causing concern among neighboring countries.